The Buskett-Girgenti woodland covers an area of 2.25 square kilometres. This is a large valley system which supports a variety of important habitats and species.

This prime woodland site, with some parts of Buskett haven been planted by the Knights Hospitaller, is the only location in Malta to find Aleppo Pine woodlands. This woodland also has a variety of habitats ranging from maquis, forest remnants, garrigue, phrygana and woods typical of watercourses. The area is also home to several important species of plants, insects, woodlice and spiders together with various other threatened species such as the sub-endemic crescent orchid. These woodlands are also an internationally important concentration point for migrating birds of prey. Buskett woodland is important for the values desired by today’s society, since besides including the creation and maintenance of habitats and species, it offers a safe and healthy environment for people to rest and relax in. This site embraces biodiversity together with aspects of our cultural heritage such as the hilltop palace overlooking Buskett Gardens which is the Verdala Palace built by Grand Master Hughes de Verdalle back in 1588.

This Natura 2000 site will be subject to the preparation of a management plan and/or legislation in the near future, as part of an EU-funded project that Mepa is undertaking for the management planning all the terrestrial Natura 2000 sites of the Maltese islands.